First time posting in this thread so here goes.
I have the opportunity to move to a beautiful part of the world. My child starts school next year. The new place has work and a really relaxed and beautiful lifestyle. Our current place has work and my child's friends, all of whom are going to different schools next year so catch ups will be limited to Sundays only.
I told my child that we're likely moving and they are kind of heart broken. How can I soften the blow? Also, how do you know if you're doing the right thing? After the initial settling in period, I feel confident we are both going to love it but right now, I'm feeling guilt. Any advice please? Thank you
Your child is very young (or did you mean starts secondary school next year?)
Tweens/teens is a little different but if they are 3/4, they will make friends easily.
Regardless, although you are moving them away from their friends, who's to say they will still be friends this time next year anyway?
Even age 12, I had friends who went to a different secondary school, we promised we'd still be friends. I haven't seen them since the last day of school in 2007. It's life at the end of the day. I only have 1 friend I went to school with now.
If they are young, I think the best way to soften the blow is to make it exciting - show them things in the area (park near by, new house etc).
If they are older then probably best to reason with them and explain that this is a good opportunity for both of you regarding lifestyle, work, etc.